Last night Nik Wallenda walked on a 5 cm braided steel wire across Niagara Falls. I was not interested in this endeavour in the least, not until he took his first step! ... then I was transfixed on his 550 metre journey 60 metres above the Niagara gorge. For 25 minutes, this event captivated my mother-in-law, Vi, my wife, Helen and myself ... and millions of people around the world.
Here is a link to a good ABC recap
and here is a video of the entire walk:
It surprised me how focused I was, and the fact that ABC made him wear a harness did not reduce my interest nor admiration for his feat in the least.
ABC captured the event spectacularly, with breathtaking imagery, a live feed with Nik, and, for the most part, interesting commentary.
I read reports of 120,000 people watching on the Canadian side plus a large audience on the American side. This singular event was said to infuse ~ $125 million into the local economy. I sure it would have been spectacular to have viewed this event live, but I was very surprised at the overall quality of the television presentation. Well done ABC.
What's next for Nik Wallenda? ... apparently he already has the permits for a planned walk across the Grand Canyon!
Chris Smith CSSBB 
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I missed the event thanks for the video. It is something of a big deal.
An amazing walk in the park for him and something I wouldn't even concider.
It is only a little over an hour from here and the only thought of going was hindered by thinking it would take me longer to get across the border then it took him to do the walk.
Make yourself a great weekend.
Yes, thank you..I also missed it-had to watch Canada play Italy.. rugby at the BMO field!
This seemed to be a feat for history. It was pasted all over facebook. The great thing is that it helped the local economy.
Tim, I tend not to watch "reality" type TV, and though I was not interested in this event at all, once I started watching, I could not stop.
Raymond, Nik looked down... even thinking of that makes me go weak...
Liz, in hockey or soccer, the match would have been a whitewash, but in rugby, I'm interested... who won?
Howdy and morning Chris
Chris my friend, my lady and I was not able to watch it on TV, we are only able to get NBC and 2 Vermont PBS's here at the house. Do you know if there was a special reason why he did this in the evening?
Have a good one
Dale in New Hampshire
Bruce, I haven't been on Facebook yet today, only decided to blog about it after a conversation with a co-worker...
I missed this, so appreciate your link. A feat, for sure!
Chris Italy beat Canada: http://www.thestar.com/sports/article/1212424--canada-loses-to-italy-in-rugby-25-16.
I missed this, too. Thx for the video. Wow, amazing.
Dale, as I understand it, the reasons had to do with the visual impact on TV and other media.
Li, not sure about you... but I could not turn away once I started watching...
Debbie, you're very welcome =)
I might be willing to walk a "low" wire, say one or two feet above soft ground, but no more ;-)
125 million Chris? Amazing in itself, never mind the walk LOL!
Hi Chris - I saw the entire walk as well as a large portion of the pre-walk show and post-walk show. It was also very helpful that I know the area reasonably well so I had a good appreciation of the unique weather patterns immediately around the falls.
Al and Peggy, "Amazing", in a good way
I switched over after watching the jay game (taped in the afternoon - OK PVR'd), but had the event taped... I watched the entire walk, then fast forwarded my way through the highlights of the pre-show.
Howdy and afternoon Chris
Chris my friend, I sure do hope your are and have had a mighty fine Father's Day!
Have a good one
Dale in New Hampshire
The local economy could use multiple events that would generate as much revenue as this one.
Have an outstanding week with your camera in hand.
Chris, it's amazing the lengths some people will go to be able to get into Canada :-)
Chris - wind currents around the falls can be very tricky at times ..... I went to watch your video link as we were away for the weekend and did not see it. but it seems to be blocked or not functioning properly
Chris, I remember the Flying Wallenda's when they performed in the circus...this is exciting stuff! It take s a brave person to pull something an event like this off!